Tobarama Song Tournament (Tu-Barama)

It does not get much more traditional on the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa then the Tobarama (sometimes pronounced Tu-barama) Song Tournament. Performed with the accompaniment of the sanshin (the traditional Okinawa stringed instrument) this competition has taken place each year since 1947.

The theme of the songs tends to be lovers ballads as that is what is usually sung of in Tu-barama. Although the theme tends to remain the same from song to song the story and style of each singer varies greatly. Some competitors stay in perfect key and others belt out their tunes in a traditional slightly off key high pitch style.

The competitors are organized into categories with the winner of each group being announced at the end of the evenings show. Some competitors sing at a professional level and others are rank amateurs but no matter their ability the saying on Ishigaki-jima is “all those who sing are stars.”

Songs are sung in local dialect that most Japanese people from the mainland don’t understand. The entire tournament takes place on a stage under the late summer’s full moon light on the 13 day of August according to the lunar calendar (mid September to the rest of us). This makes to a very nice setting to listen to the enchanting songs coming from people’s hearts.

North Okinawa Tours

Northern Okinawa Tour
On this tour visit many of the North Okinawa’s famous sites like Churaumi Aquarium ( the world's third largest aquarium), Ryukyu Mura where you can experience living history, and many more exciting places. Lunch included.

Nakijin-jo Castle World Heritage Bus TourOn this tour visit many of the North Okinawa’s famous sites like Cape Manza, Churaumi Aquarium ( the world's third largest aquarium), Nakijin-jo Castle, Nago Pineapple Park. Lunch included.

Okinawa Marine Walk from Nago (Departs at 9:00 am)Enjoy walking underwater through Okinawa's clear ocean by simply putting on a special helmet which draws air from the surface, you can breathe normally even while underwater and explore Okinawa's beautiful coral reefs.